Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
New $500K inclusive playground opens in the town of Morris [PHOTOS]
Reading time: 2 minutes
Today, the North Jefferson County town of Morris, Alabama dedicated a new inclusive playground near the community’s ballfields at 430 Ballpark Drive.
Called “My Backyard” the playground was built to enable kids and families of all abilities to learn, play and grow together.
Playground “means the world to me”
“I didn’t get it built quick enough for my children to play on, but my first grandchild came out last week and played on it—that means the world to me.”
Morris Mayor Joe Pylant
The playground has a number of amenities including:
- Zipline
- Swings
- 3 slides
- 2 pavilions for picnics and family reunions
- A wide walking track around the park
A wide variety of individuals and organizations contributed to the project: Highlands Homeowners Association, Morris Beautification Board, Cullman Jefferson Gas District, Jefferson County Commission,Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Jefferson County Public Health Advised Fund, State Representative Allen Treadway, State Senator Shay Shelnutt, Scott and Tracey Parks, Carole and Gary Schafer and Jim and Nell Branum.
Room to grow
According to the mayor there are additional spaces around the park that may be available for parking or other recreational activities. The city is also looking at a way to “blaze” a trail between the ballfields and the playground to connect the two places.
Hours
The mayor welcomed surrounding North Jefferson County communities to visit Morris and enjoy the new playground. There is plenty of parking and it is open from dawn until dusk.
Morris Mayor: “Makes your heart feel happy”
Mayor Pylant summed up the joy this fresh new space will bring to all who visit:
“Just to come up here and see the children smile— I don’t know how to express it. It makes your heart feel happy.”
Did you know the town of Morris was founded in 1885? A little over 2000 people live in the community. Do you have a favorite story about Morris? Share it on social media by tagging us on social media at @bhamnow
